I've always had "Automatic Updates" set to On, yet my iPhone doesn't do Automatic Updates. I went to do a sync and then got notified that there's a new iOS version (26.6).
Is this a bug with iPhones and iOS -or- why are iPhones incapable of doing Automatic Updates?
Your iPhone and automatic updates are behaving exactly as expected. Automatic updates do not occur immediately.
In more detail, System Software Updates have a phased rollout. You can either manually install the updates when they are released, or allow your device to automatically install the update when the phased auto-rollout begins in your region.
Automatic rollout is intentionally staggered by Apple for two principal reasons:
1) Early adopters who choose to manually install the update when released tend to identify significant unanticipated issues if they should occur. Identified issues, should they occur, may delay the automatic rollout while early issues are resolved.
2) Phased rollout by region and device ensures that Apple's regional update servers are not overwhelmed by ten of millions of devices simultaneously requesting update. While there is significant capacity across Apple's regional server infrastructure, there are still limits to the number of simultaneous connection requests that can be supported at any particular point in time.
Your iPhone and automatic updates are behaving exactly as expected. Automatic updates do not occur immediately.
In more detail, System Software Updates have a phased rollout. You can either manually install the updates when they are released, or allow your device to automatically install the update when the phased auto-rollout begins in your region.
Automatic rollout is intentionally staggered by Apple for two principal reasons:
1) Early adopters who choose to manually install the update when released tend to identify significant unanticipated issues if they should occur. Identified issues, should they occur, may delay the automatic rollout while early issues are resolved.
2) Phased rollout by region and device ensures that Apple's regional update servers are not overwhelmed by ten of millions of devices simultaneously requesting update. While there is significant capacity across Apple's regional server infrastructure, there are still limits to the number of simultaneous connection requests that can be supported at any particular point in time.
No it is not a bug and they are not pushed updates that are forced out to every device at the same time immediately when released, even with Automatic Updates turned on. The same is true if you use Automatic Updates for apps. Along with them not being a push update, there is not constant polling of the server checking for updates which would simply unnecessarily drain your battery. You can manually poll the server for updates by going into the Software Update settings if you wish.
Not unusual for an update to occur a week later after it had been released. That is OK, and does not mean there is a problem. And as stated, the same is true for App updates when they are set to be updated automatically.
I don’t think that is always correct. The only reference I can find to staggered rollouts are these discussions. Apple says this, “Automatically Install: When an update is available, iPhone downloads and installs it overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi. You’re notified before an update is installed.”
Update iOS on iPhone - Apple Support
No mention of staggered availability. We see community members saying weeks after release that their iOS never updated. We also see many community members not charging their iPhones at night.
I’m inclined to think that Apple’s servers are up to the task, and the staggering of availability is the result of charging practices.
Sorry, Bob, I didn’t mean to reply to you. You’re correct that it’s not instantaneous when released, but as nighttime occurs those iPhones that have enabled auto updates, are locked, on WiFi, and charging, will update. Once again stressing the importance of charging iPhones every night.
mikeypop wrote:
Thanks all!!!
I guess the gist is that Automatic Updates for iOS happen eventually. Same thing with Apps.
Oddly this iOS 26.6 update broke a number of apps, which then I had to go to "App Updates" and manually run updates because the Automatic Updates were not Automatic. :)
You're very welcome - and hopefully now have a better understanding of how automatic System Software Updates work.
In essence, if enabled, they will eventually be downloaded and installed automatically - in practice, this potentially occurring a week two after the update is released. Waiting for an automatic update can be beneficial - as, if a "bad" update is released, it may be pulled from distribution before the automatic updates are distributed. This avoids the possibility of having a faulty update being installed. While rare, Apple has been known to pull a bad update and re-release a fixed version with the same release (but different build) number.
As for any Apps that no longer work as expected, deleting and reinstalling the App(s) may resolve the problem. Otherwise, you'll need to see assistance from the specific App Developers:
Automatic Updates do not occur as soon as the software is released.
Your device(s) that are set for Automatic Updates will update......but you have to wait for your turn.
I did not mention the term "phased rollouts", but some of the other users did.
It would have been more clear though if I had said......"Automatic Updates on your devices do not always occur as soon as the software is released.
Thanks all!!!
I guess the gist is that Automatic Updates for iOS happen eventually. Same thing with Apps.
Oddly this iOS 26.6 update broke a number of apps, which then I had to go to "App Updates" and manually run updates because the Automatic Updates were not Automatic. :)
Just as a point of reference, Apple announced that iOS 26.6 was released globally at the same time and not phased rollout.
iPhone Automatic Updates & Why they Don't Work
